Principal or Sr Principal Engineer Test

Posted 23 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
104K-194K Annually
Senior level
Aerospace • Logistics • Security • Software • Cybersecurity
The Role
Provides technical leadership for electrical test engineering across electronic assembly development, production, sustainment, and support. Performs circuit analysis, troubleshooting, root-cause investigations, test-station debugging, functional testing, and production fault resolution. Collaborates with design, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, suppliers, and customers to improve test methods, yield, reliability, and hardware performance. Supports qualification activities, engineering changes, documentation, and material review board decisions for aerospace programs.
Summary Generated by Built In
RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: NoDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.


This requisition may be filled at the Principal Level 3 or Sr Principal Level 4 based on requirements listed below.


Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer or Sr. Principal Electrical Engineer to support the Common Products Test Engineering organization in Rancho Bernardo, CA. Selected candidate must be within a commutable distance from site.


Essential Functions:

As a member of the Common Products Test Engineering Organization, you will have the opportunity to provide technical leadership across the full lifecycle of complex electronic assemblies Line Replaceable Units (LRU) or Weapon Replaceable Assembly (WRA) and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), from development and transition to production through sustainment and in-service support.

In this role, you will apply hands-on electrical engineering expertise in circuit analysis, schematic interpretation, component-level troubleshooting, root cause investigation, and non-conformance review to resolve test failures, improve yield and reliability, and support material review board dispositions, engineering changes, and obsolescence solutions.

You will collaborate closely with design engineering, manufacturing, quality, supply chain, suppliers, and customers to develop, validate, sustain, and continuously improve production processes, test methods, and hardware performance with a focus on safety, quality, producibility, cost, and on-time delivery, while supporting qualification activities, technical documentation, and long-term product support for Aeronautics programs.

You will provide support in person and through documentation generation of findings and implemented solutions.

You will have god communication, computer, documentation, presentation, and interpersonal skills as well as the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

You will debug, troubleshoot and verify test stations

You will apply technical knowledge to analyze, investigate and resolve production line faults during acceptance testing

You will perform functional testing and troubleshooting of equipment and systems utilizing standard engineering and scientific principles.


Basic Qualifications:

  • Principal Electrical Test Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 3 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 1 year of related experience
  • Sr. Principal Electrical Test Engineer: Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of related engineering experience; OR Master’s degree in a STEM discipline with 6 years of related experience; OR PhD in a STEM discipline with 4 years of related experience
  • Must have a general understanding of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and theory with technical experience demonstrating the application of those concepts while ensuring personnel and equipment safety
  • Ability to understand new concepts quickly and apply them accurately throughout an evolving environment and organize work assignments to meet established timetables
  • Experience with LabVIEW and TestStand software applications
  • Experience with automated testing of CCA
  • Experience with automated testing for LRU and WRA
  • Experience with electronic test equipment such as digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, DC/AC power supplies, and network analyzers
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Secret clearance and or Special Program Access within a reasonable amount of time as determined by business needs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on mixed circuit design
  • Experience with MES, equipment connectivity, traceability, SAP or other ERP/MRP systems, and automated manufacturing data collection
  • Experience in high-reliability, regulated, industrial, life-safety, aerospace, or other complex electronics manufacturing environments
  • Hands-on approach with the ability to work effectively on the manufacturing floor while maintaining strong documentation and change control
  • Experience with OrCAD, Pspice, or LTspice for circuit simulation
  • Advanced knowledge of IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and IPC J-STD-001 soldering process requirements; current IPC certification is a plus
  • Knowledge of IPC-7711/7721 rework and repair practices
  • Knowledge of J-STD-020/033 moisture-sensitivity controls
  • Hands-on experience bringing up hardware from prototype design into production.
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or guidance.

Primary Level Salary Range: $103,600.00 - $155,400.00Secondary Level Salary Range: $129,300.00 - $193,900.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Skills Required

  • Principal level: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 5 years of related engineering experience, or Master's degree with 3 years, or PhD with 1 year.
  • Senior Principal level: Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline with 8 years of related engineering experience, or Master's degree with 6 years, or PhD with 4 years.
  • General understanding of electrical engineering concepts, principles, and theory, with applied technical experience emphasizing personnel and equipment safety.
  • Ability to learn and apply new concepts quickly and organize work assignments to meet established timetables.
  • Experience with LabVIEW and TestStand software applications.
  • Experience with automated testing of circuit card assemblies (CCA).
  • Experience with automated testing for line replaceable units (LRU) and weapon replaceable assemblies (WRA).
  • Experience with electronic test equipment, including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, DC/AC power supplies, and network analyzers.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret clearance or Special Program Access within a reasonable period.
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on mixed-circuit design.
  • Experience with MES, equipment connectivity, traceability, SAP or other ERP/MRP systems, and automated manufacturing data collection.
  • Experience in high-reliability, regulated, industrial, life-safety, aerospace, or complex electronics manufacturing environments.
  • Hands-on manufacturing-floor experience with strong documentation and change-control practices.
  • Experience with OrCAD, PSpice, or LTspice for circuit simulation.
  • Advanced knowledge of IPC-A-610 acceptance criteria and IPC J-STD-001 soldering process requirements; current IPC certification is a plus.
  • Knowledge of IPC-7711/7721 rework and repair practices.
  • Knowledge of J-STD-020/033 moisture-sensitivity controls.
  • Hands-on experience transitioning hardware from prototype design into production.
  • Ability to work with minimal direction or guidance.

Northrop Grumman Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Northrop Grumman and has not been reviewed or approved by Northrop Grumman.

  • Healthcare Strength — Health coverage offers multiple medical plan options by region alongside dental, vision, mental‑health resources, and wellness programs. Recent materials also highlight added family‑building support, including a dedicated fertility benefit.
  • Retirement Support — The 401(k) savings plan is positioned as competitive with a company match, auto‑escalation features, and access to an employee stock fund/ESPP. Official filings and benefits guides emphasize retirement as a core element of the Total Rewards package.
  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Many sites offer a 9/80 schedule, generous PTO, paid holidays, and flexible/telework options where program needs allow. Paid parental and caregiver leave are prominently featured, with recent enhancements for the delivering parent.

Northrop Grumman Insights

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The Company
HQ: Charlotte, North Carolina
85,636 Employees

What We Do

We are a close-knit community of big thinkers collaborating to keep the world safe. Our passion, creativity and expertise bring next-level technology solutions to life in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, space, and logistics and modernization for our customers around the globe. On the Northrop Grumman team, you’ll join our pursuit of excellence immersed in a dynamic culture of innovation and respect. Your unique perspective will help achieve our shared vision for the future of global security. Every step of the way, you'll be supported by world-class training, employee resource groups and a comprehensive benefits package that enables greater health and happiness for you and your family. Worldwide and across disciplines, we’re challenging what’s possible for technology to protect people and places from undersea to outer space and into cyberspace. And we see the impact of our performance every day. We are Northrop Grumman, and we work on what matters—now, you too can make a difference. Explore opportunities in engineering, IT, manufacturing, business management, cybersecurity and more with us. Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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